Maggiano’s Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that many people love. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. This lasagna is filled with layers of meat sauce, cheese, and pasta, making it a comforting meal for any occasion. Whether it’s a special gathering or just a cozy night at home, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for a delicious homemade lasagna.
Why Make This Recipe
This lasagna recipe is worth making because it brings a taste of authentic Italian cuisine right to your kitchen. The combination of savory meats, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese creates a dish that is both satisfying and memorable. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your guests or simply enjoy a fantastic meal with your loved ones. Making lasagna from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience, and this recipe simplifies the process.
How to Make Maggiano’s Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 26 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cook until the onion is soft. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Simmer for about 30 minutes.
Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Mix until smooth.
Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread a third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with a third of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with meat sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake the Lasagna: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Maggiano’s Lasagna
Serve the lasagna hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with a fresh green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy. You can also garnish with extra parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
How to Store Maggiano’s Lasagna
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave or heat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Tips to Make Maggiano’s Lasagna
- For even more flavor, let the meat sauce simmer longer than 30 minutes.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter taste.
- If you want a vegetarian option, you can substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
Variations (if any)
You can customize this lasagna by adding different vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Additionally, you can use different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina, for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just increase the baking time if it is cold from the fridge.
2. Can I freeze Maggiano’s Lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The lasagna is done when the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly. You can also check if it’s heated through by inserting a knife into the center; it should be hot when pulled out.
Maggiano’s Lasagna
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 56 ounces crushed tomatoes (2 cans) 28 ounces each
- 6 ounces tomato paste 1 can
- 15 ounces tomato sauce 1 can
- 0.5 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
- 0.5 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Cheese Filling
- 26 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For Assembly
- 12 pieces lasagna noodles
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cook until the onion is soft.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and parsley.
- Simmer for about 30 minutes.
Prepare the Cheese Filling
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Mix until smooth.
Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread a third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle with a third of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers two more times, ending with meat sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
